Terry Pratchett's NATION: moving and sweet young adult novel about science, superstition and decency

Terry Pratchett's latest novel is Nation and it's like nothing else he's ever written -- except that like many of his books, it is fantastic and brilliant.

Nation is the story of two children: Ermintrude may just be the Queen of England now that a plague has struck down most of the royal family. Mau is the last survivor of the Nation, a tribal people living on a south-seas island that has been destroyed by a tsunami. They are both lost and adrift in the wake of terrible tragedy, flung together on the island of Nation. They both are blessed with doubt about the theologies of their ancestors -- and denied its succour. Together, they discover science, and use it to weld together their people and save them from despair and evil external forces.

Nation is an absolutely sweet book, a story that is part Lord of the Flies and part Treasure Island, with strong and likable characters who are forced to their limits by circumstances. The action is well-paced, the philosophy and science are deftly handled, and there is humor and fear in equal measures.

This isn't a Discworld novel or a Truckers novel -- it's not Good Omens. It's a complete departure for Pratchett and yet is recognizably him, on every page, writing with the same grace and wit we know from his other work. Highly recommended (and would make brilliant bedtime reading, too). Nation (US), Nation (UK)

Discussion

Take a look at this

#1 posted by Kieran O'Neill , September 30, 2008 5:56 AM

I'd been seeing the full-size poster on the Tube, and had wondered. It didn't look Discworld...

So can we take it this will be gently drifting into Poesy's forming psyche? :)

#2 posted by SpeakToMe , September 30, 2008 6:04 AM

Thanks for this heads up -- I will definitely read it. Pratchett is always a pleasure.

#3 posted by Beard of Bees , September 30, 2008 6:10 AM

I haven't dipped into Pratchett for many years. Once upon a time, in my teens, I'd devour every last word he produced. Sadly, I think I grew out of him. Not his humour or silliness - I'll never grow out of that - but that I think I eventually realised that he wasn't that good a writer.

Maybe I should give this one a try.

#4 posted by Bouncy Bouncy , September 30, 2008 6:13 AM

Ad hoc "better cover" poll.

(Canadian)

#5 posted by jjasper , September 30, 2008 6:14 AM

If it's anywhere near as good as Johnny And The Bomb, I'm going to love it.

#6 posted by Kieran O'Neill , September 30, 2008 6:21 AM

#4: Lol, UK hands down.

The poster uses a widened version of the same image, with a speech bubble from the parrot saying "out now". It's a rare instance of palatability in British advertising.

#7 posted by madjo , September 30, 2008 6:31 AM

Ordered my copy... I don't normally do this on a whim, but I trust Pratchett not to disappoint me. :)

#8 posted by madjo , September 30, 2008 6:32 AM

Oh and yeah, UK cover is much better. (it would've been cheaper to get the US version, but I really disliked that cover)

#9 posted by ornith , September 30, 2008 7:06 AM

@4: US cover is awful. (speaking from the US.)

#10 posted by Trent Hawkins , September 30, 2008 7:26 AM

Kinda wished it would be a Dsicworld book, but this should keep me busy till Final Watch comes out.

#11 posted by Talia , September 30, 2008 7:38 AM

New Terry Pratchett. *squeals with glee*. I don't care that its not Discworld; that man can write! I can't wait to get my paws on it.

#12 posted by nanuq , September 30, 2008 7:58 AM

I look forward to reading it. Considering his health issues, Terry Pratchett may be feeling the need to expand in new directions.

#13 posted by Anonymous , September 30, 2008 8:59 AM

I just got my son started on Discworld - he's gleefully tearing through them - and he just read Lord of the Flies for school - this looks like a natural.

PattiS

#14 posted by Steve Stair , September 30, 2008 9:47 AM

Blech to the US cover...but I can't see spending almost $28 instead of $11.55 for this book.

#15 posted by mikoday , September 30, 2008 9:51 AM

I've just finished "Nation" and it is one of his best. Great comments on religion, governments, survival, chauvinism, and mortality, in addition to a strong story. While it's aimed at young adults, this is a book for everyone. I think it is one of his best (and I've read them all).

#16 posted by Anonymous , September 30, 2008 12:46 PM

I bought the book on Saturday afternoon, quite late, and had finished it by Tuesday morning.

I love Pratchett's work, but rarely do one of his books have the same cant-put-it-down thing going for it. Speaking for me, at least.

I loved it, easily one his better books, despite it not quite being in the same league as Reaper Man, Soul Music or Where's My Cow?

Hopefully we'll be back on the Disc soon though, though this was a terrific distraction.

#17 posted by LYNDON , September 30, 2008 4:03 PM

My wife managed to get a copy sent from the UK to NZ. I agree, lovely and humane. Not so full of gags as some of the others, mind.

I concur on the badness of the US cover. But to quibble, on the UK one it should really have been a sunset, surely?

#18 posted by Teresa Nielsen Hayden / Moderator

, October 3, 2008 8:56 AM

The American edition's cover art is by Bill Mayer -- not someone whose work I know. The style looks like something you'd see on a light mystery/romance.